Gordon Banks to attend Pele celebration

The Football Writers’ Association is delighted to announce that World Cup winner Gordon Banks will be among our special guests when we honour Pele at the FWA Tribute night on London on January 21.

Banks will join us at the Savoy Hotel in London to pay tribute to Pele when the great Brazilian flies in to receive his lifetime achieve award from the FWA. The former Chesterfield, Leicester and Stoke goalkeeper played 73 times for England and was in goal when Sir Alf Ramsey’s men beat West Germany in the 1966 World Cup final.

Arguably his greatest save came four years later, in the 1970 tournament, when he defied the laws of physics to keep out a goalbound header from Pele as England lost 1-0 to Brazil in Mexico.

“From the moment I headed it, I was sure it had gone in,” Pele has said.

“After I headed the ball, I had already began to jump to celebrate the goal. Then I looked back and I couldn’t believe it hadn’t gone in. I have scored more than a thousand goals in my life and the thing people always talk to me about is the one I didn’t score.”

Former International soccer players England goal keeper, Gordon Banks (left) with a picture of his famous save from Brazil striker Pele (right) attend a news conference in London where they announced the 100 all time greatest footballers chosen by Pele for the celebration of 100 years of FIFA the wiorld governing body.

 

BREAKING NEWS – PELE IS COMING

PELE TO RECEIVE FWA TRIBUTE AWARD AT THE SAVOY

The Football Writers’ Association is delighted to announce that Pele, arguably the greatest footballer of all, will be joining us at the Savoy Hotel on January 21st to receive this year’s FWA Tribute Award.

Pele, 77, has accepted our invitation to join some of the greatest names in world football as recipients of the FWA Tribute Award, and will be flying in from America to collect it at our annual gala dinner at the Savoy.

His achievements should not need repeating, as a member of three World Cup-winning sides, the scorer of over 1000 goals, and numerous personal accolades during a glittering 15-year career.

Paul McCarthy, the FWA’s executive secretary, said: “Traditionally, we have honoured those who have made an outstanding contribution to the British game but I’m sure you will agree that in a World Cup year and on the 60th anniversary of his first appearance in a World Cup, there can be no more fitting recipient than Pele.”

Tickets are on sale now and FWA members should receive an email with details.

FWA Live Manchester cancelled

The FWA regrets to announce the latest edition of FWA Live, due to be held in Manchester on December 7, has been cancelled because of circumstances beyond our control.

Previous events have proved to be extremely successful and our London event in August, in partnership with our title sponsors William Hill, raised a five-figure sum for victims and survivors of the Grenfell Tower disaster.  You can see excerpts from the evening with Arsene Wenger, Les Ferdinand, Gary Lineker, Paul Elliott and Jacqui Oatley on the FWA’s YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou21529Ruls

In the meantime, keep checking our website, FaceBook page and Twitter account for future  FWA Live events in 2018.

FWA Live – Manchester Dec 7

The Football Writers Association sponsored by William Hill will be running a live Manchester Derby preview night in aid of Prostate Cancer UK. Former Manchester City Manager Peter Reid will be on the panel alongside former Manchester United and England defender Viv Anderson. They will be joined by two prestigious journalists Simon Mullock of the Sunday Mirror and Steve Bates of The People, and hosted by FWA Chair Paul McCarthy.

Venue:
Hotel Football is 99 Sir Matt Busby Way, Manchester M16 0SZ
Time:
7pm- late
Cost:

£25(plus booking fee)
Dress code:
Smart/casual

There will be a free bar available during the night.

All profits raised will go towards Prostate Cancer UK.

Tickets from: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fwa-live-manchester-derby-preview-tickets-39872430513?aff=es2

Northern Managers awards dinner Nov 26th

FWA NORTHERN MANAGERS AWARDS DINNER – a few tickets left

At the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel Manchester on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26th 2017, 6.45 reception for 7.30 start

This year’s award winning managers are:

JOSE MOURINHO (Manchester United)

RAFA BENITEZ (Newcastle United)

DAVID WAGNER (Huddersfield Town)

CHRIS WILDER (Sheffield United)

PHIL PARKINSON (Bolton Wanderers)

DARREN FERGUSON (Doncaster Rovers)

GARY BOWYER (Blackpool)

Special Award winners: GARY MILLS (York City), GRAHAM FENTON & LEE PICTON (South Shields) and NICK CUSHING (Manchester City Women).

Tickets can be ordered from any of the below-named committee members at the same price as last year: £65 FWA Members, £70 Non Members and guests. Book now: Tables 10/11, smaller groups or individuals.

Chairman: PAUL HETHERINGTON E.mail: paul.hetherington@express.co.uk

Treasurer: STEVE BATES E.mail: sdb99@hotmail.com

Secretary: RICHARD BOTT E.mail: rbottmanc@aol.com

4 Brentwood Close, Smithy Bridge, Littleborough, Lancs. OL150ND Tel: 01706 379999

This year’s designated Children’s Charity is THE SEASHELL TRUST
Dress code: Lounge Suit

FWA Northern Managers awards dinner – final reminder

FINAL REMINDER –  37th NORTHERN MANAGERS AWARDS DINNER Nov 26th

in conjunction with WILLIAM HILL, at the Radisson Blu Edwardian Hotel,  Peter Street, Manchester M2 5GP . on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26th 2017, 6.45 reception for 7.30 start

This year’s award winning managers are:

JOSE MOURINHO (Manchester United)

RAFA BENITEZ (Newcastle United)

DAVID WAGNER (Huddersfield Town)

CHRIS WILDER (Sheffield United)

PHIL PARKINSON (Bolton Wanderers)

DARREN FERGUSON (Doncaster Rovers)

GARY BOWYER (Blackpool)

Special Award winners: GARY MILLS (York City), GRAHAM FENTON & LEE PICTON (South Shields) and NICK CUSHING (Manchester City Women).

Tickets can be ordered from any of the below-named committee members at the same price as last year: £65 FWA Members, £70 Non Members and guests. Book now: Tables 10/11, smaller groups or individuals.

Chairman: PAUL HETHERINGTON E.mail: paul.hetherington@express.co.uk

Treasurer: STEVE BATES E.mail: sdb99@hotmail.com

Secretary: RICHARD BOTT E.mail: rbottmanc@aol.com

4 Brentwood Close, Smithy Bridge, Littleborough, Lancs. OL150ND Tel: 01706 379999

This year’s designated Children’s Charity is THE SEASHELL TRUST

Dress code: Lounge Suit

Women in Football celebrate 10th anniversary

 

Women

 

FWA vice chair Vikki Orvice was among 150 guests who celebrated the tenth anniversary of Women in Football during a gala evening at the House of Lords earlier this month.

Vikki was a founder member of the networking and campaigning group, which also includes prominent FWA members such as Jacqui Oatley and Lucy Pepper.

Lord Faulkner hosted the event on the riverside terrace bar at the House of Lords on October 2, and special guests included Dame Heather Rabbatts, the FA’s first female director.

After WiF chair Anna Kessel’s introductory speech, Jacqui Oatley introduced a special panel of former Chelsea doctor Eva Carneiro, referee Lucy Oliver and Galatasaray executive Ebru Köksal. The trio shared their experiences in football with great honesty, integrity and warmth, and also paid tribute to WiF as an organisation.

Eva said:”Women in Football is refreshingly disinterested in politically correct statements or self-serving agendas. It is uncompromisingly committed to learning about, supporting and transforming the experience of women that work in the sport we all love.”

Elizabeth Nyamayaro, UN Director of the HeForShe campaign, flew in from New York and spoke with passionately about the “magic of sport” and also the importance of empowering women.

For more details about Women in Football, visit: https://www.womeninfootball.co.uk/

FWA Golf Day, sponsored by Vanarama

Stoke Park 1Stoke Park 2PAT JENNINGS

 

Report on FWA Golf Day, Monday September 18, by Ralph Ellis.

The magnificent Stoke Park golf course in Buckinghamshire will always be renowned as the venue for the famous feud between James Bond and Goldfinger.

But for the Football Writers Association, it is quietly growing its own history after six years now as the breathtaking venue for the annual FWA Golf Day.

The event is one which brings together those who write and broadcast about the game with those who play and coach at every level, and this year saw a record field of 21 fourball teams competing.

At the FWA we were proud and pleased to welcome Vanarama (www.vanarama.co.uk) as new sponsors for the event to herald what we hope will be an ongoing partnership that will supply benefits to our members through the opportunity to take advantage of the company’s highly competitive vehicle leasing rates.

Vanarama began their partnership by kindly donating a superb Vauxhall car as a prize for anybody lucky enough to score a hole in one at the Seventh, Stoke Park’s most famous par three modelled on the iconic 16th at Augusta.

Several came within a few inches, but nobody was able to drive off with the prize on this occasion.

With everybody playing off ¾ of their normal handicap on a demanding Championship course, scoring was tough.

However first prize was one by a team led by Chesterfield FC’s head of media and communications Nick Johnson, whose side comprising Ken Perkins, Kevin Reynolds and Paul Morton compiled 78 points.

They won on countback from Daily Mail, Sunday Mirror and Daily Star freelance writer Ralph Ellis, whose side including former Liverpool and Wales star Dean Saunders and ex Southend striker Drewe Broughton.

Third and fourth places went to two sides representing Vanarama (www.vanarama.co.uk), one including sales director Gary Lemon and the other drawn from Vanarama National League players and coaches which included Leamington midfielder Joe Clarke, Keith Bertschin (Solihull Moors manager) and Aldershot striker Scott Randell.

The historic Joe Melling Memorial Trophy, competed for in an individual competition for FWA members only, was won by Sunday Post football writer Adam Lanigan who scored 30 points.

Thanks to FWA National Committee member Ralph Ellis for organising the day, and this report.

Football Writers to join Hall of Fame

Hall of Fame pic

Football’s greatest writers will be honoured alongside the sport’s finest players, managers and teams, thanks to a new partnership between the National Football Museum and the Football Writers’ Association.

The National Football Museum Hall Of Fame will this year see a new Lifetime Achievement award presented to an outstanding sports journalist, thanks to the FWA. The first recipient of the award will be announced at this year’s National Football Museum Hall Of Fame awards at the museum’s Manchester home on Thursday 21 September 2017.

Paddy Barclay, Chairman of the Football Writers’ Association, said: “We are delighted to play a role in preserving and sharing the history of football thanks to this partnership with the National Football Museum Hall Of Fame.

The first recipient of the award is truly a legend among football writers and it will be an honour to see one of our profession recognised alongside so many greats of the sport.”

National Football Museum Marketing Manager Philippa Duxbury said “We’re delighted to be working with the Football Writers’ Association on our prestigious Hall Of Fame awards.

The ever-evolving role of journalists and writers in how we, as fans, perceive and enjoy football is key to the popularity of the game.

We look forward to honouring the first recipient and working with the FWA in the future.”

The National Football Museum Hall Of Fame started in 2002 as the official celebration of the greatest legends of English football.

The original selection panel included Jimmy Hill, Gordon Taylor and the museum’s vice president Sir Trevor Brooking. Inaugural inductees included Sir Bobby Charlton, Bobby Moore, Bill Shankly and pioneering female footballer Lily Parr.

Since then, with the support of The PFA, the awards have gone from strength to strength, with all inductees voting on who joins the Hall Of Fame each year. 123 male and female players, from Tony Adams to Gianfranco Zola, have since been inducted, as well as great managers, iconic teams and, thanks to support from The FA, inspiration figures from the disability game in the Hall’s Football For All category.

This year’s event will see modern-era greats Billy Bonds, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Gary Speed and Bob Wilson honoured. The FA are supporting the induction of Lionesses greats Kelly Smith and Rachel Yankey, and England CP player Alistair Patrick-Heselton. The Hall Of Fame historian panel have also chosen Manchester United’s 1909 FA Cup-winning captain Charlie Roberts for induction.

For more on the National Football Museum, visit this link: http://www.nationalfootballmuseum.com/

Northern Managers’ Awards evening – tickets on sale now

37th Northern Managers Awards Dinner, in conjunction with sponsors William Hill  will be held at the RADISSON BLU EDWARDIAN HOTEL, Free Trade Hall, Peter Street, Manchester M2 5GP . on SUNDAY NOVEMBER 26th 2017

Reception: 6.45pm for 7.30pm Dress Code: Lounge Suit

* TICKETS can be ordered from committee members Paul Hetherington, Dick Bott or Steve Bates, at the same price as last year: £65 FWA Members, £70 Non-members and Guests. Book now for Tables of 10/11, smaller groups or individuals. The discounted room rate at the RADISSON BLU, which is available for a limited time only, is £120 inc. Breakfast & VAT (for SINGLE or TWIN occupancy). Ring 0161 835 9929 and press Option 1 for Reservations and quote 03 12 FWA.

* This year’s award winning managers are: JOSE MOURINHO (Manchester United), RAFA BENITEZ (Newcastle United), DAVID WAGNER (Huddersfield Town), CHRIS WILDER (Sheffield United), PHIL PARKINSON (Bolton Wanderers), DARREN FERGUSON (Doncaster Rovers), GARY BOWYER (Blackpool). Special Award winners: GARY MILLS (York City), GRAHAM FENTON and LEE PICTON (South Shields) , NICK CUSHING (Manchester City Women).

* This year’s designated Children’s Charity is THE SEASHELL TRUST

Menu, wine lists and other details will be forwarded nearer the date.

Richard Bott

(secretary FWA North)